PORT TOWNSEND — Keith C. Harper on Tuesday was leading Peggy Bierbaum by a large margin in the race to replace Superior Court Judge Craddock Verser, who is retiring for health reasons.
“I’m really happy with the results,” Harper said.
“We worked very hard and ran a very positive campaign, and I think people appreciated that.
“I want to thank all the people who supported me, and especially want to thank Ms. Bierbaum for making sure that things stayed positive.”
Harper, 59, of Port Townsend had 8,337 votes, or 60.71 percent, to 55-year-old Quilcene resident Bierbaum’s 5,351 votes, or 38.96 percent.
Calls to Bierbaum requesting comment were not returned.
The Jefferson County Auditor’s Office counted 15,382 ballots out of 22,756 issued during the initial tally, for a voter turnout of 67.59 percent Tuesday night.
The office has 2,560 ballots on hand and uncounted and Auditor Donna Eldridge expects an additional 2,500 ballots to come in before the next count at about noon Friday.
The race between Bierbaum and Harper generated $64,784 in campaign contributions, making it the most expensive general election race on the North Olympic Peninsula, according to state Public Disclosure Commission records.
Verser, 63, who had undergone treatment for pancreatic cancer beginning in July 2011, decided not to run for a third term and endorsed Harper.
On Monday, Verser said he “had made the right decision” in retiring from the bench.
Both Harper and Bierbaum serve as part-time Superior Court commissioner and judge pro tem and part-time District Court pro tem.
When Bierbaum filed for the office, she said that serving as a substitute judge had motivated her to run for the position when Verser announced that he would not seek re-election.
Both Harper and Bierbaum practice law in Port Townsend.
Bierbaum was in the headlines this year as she represented the plaintiffs in a recall action against two Quilcene Fire Department commissioners.
Ballots are due for the recall election next Tuesday.
Harper, a 1972 graduate of Port Townsend High School, is the father of state Sen. Nick Harper, D-Everett, who represents the 38th District.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
